Swiss manufacturer investigating ransomware attack that shut down IT network

Hackers are attempting to blackmail a Swiss manufacturing giant after a cyberattack on Friday.

Schlatter Group did not respond to questions about the incident, but said in a press release that it was dealing with a “criminal cyberattack using malware.”

The company — which is more than 100 years old and specializes in plant engineering as well as welding — immediately initiated security measures and involved law enforcement when the attack was discovered on Friday.

Schlatter Group currently does not have access to its email system and urged customers to call them if there are any issues. As part of the investigation, the company is assessing whether data was stolen. 

“It can be assumed that this was a professional attack. The unknown perpetrators are attempting to blackmail Schlatter. The ICT experts are working intensively to make all systems available and functional again as quickly as possible,” the company explained. 

No ransomware gang or hacking group has taken credit for the attack as of Monday afternoon. 

The company is deeply involved in the automation of production systems, offering customers plant engineering services for resistance welding systems as well as weaving and finishing equipment for the production of paper machine clothing, wire fabrics and wire mesh.

It reported nearly $150 million in sales over the last fiscal year. 

Swiss authorities in June said they saw an increase in cyberattacks ahead of a Ukraine peace summit and the country’s president is frequently criticized in Russian media.

Last year, Swiss technology conglomerate ABB was hit with a ransomware attack launched by a cybercriminal gang with deep ties in Russia.